Dr. Fuhrman’s Cashew Dressing


Dr. Fuhrman’s Cashew Dressing


IngredientsMakes 1–2 servings

1/2 cup raw cashews
1/4 cup unhulled sesame seeds
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
2 oranges, peeled

DirectionsPut all ingredients into a food processor or high-powered blender. Blend until smooth. Top salad with dressing. Enjoy!

Source : doctoroz.com

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Cabbage Soup Diet

The Cabbage Soup Diet is a 7 day meal plan, aimed at achieving fast weight loss.
It is not a long-term weight loss solution, but is known to be effective over the short term.

Cons

  • Some complain that the Cabbage Soup a little too bland.
  • Be prepared for gas…
  • Requires will power.
  • Lacks good nutrition
  • High in salt.
  • Not a long-term answer.

Cabbage Soup Recipe

6 large green onions
2 green peppers
1 or 2 cans of tomatoes (diced or whole)
1 bunch celery
1/2 head cabbage
1 package Onion Soup Mix
1 or 2 cubes bouillon (optional)
1 48 oz. can V8
Juice (optional)
Season to taste (salt, pepper, parsley, curry, garlic powder, etc).

Cabbage Soup 7 Day Meal Plan


Day 1
Homemade cabbage soup, plus any fruit, apart from bananas.
Day 2
Homemade cabbage soup, plus other vegetables, including a baked potato with butter for dinner (potatoes are off-limits on other days)
Day 3
Homemade cabbage soup, plus other fruits and vegetables.
Day 4
Homemade cabbage soup, plus anything up to 6 bananas and fat-free milk.
Day 5
Homemade cabbage soup, plus 6 tomatoes and up to 450 grams of meat or fish.
Day 6
Homemade cabbage soup, plus meat(beef) and vegetables.
Day 7
Homemade cabbage soup, plus brown rice, pure fruit juice, and vegetables.
No bread, carbonated beverages, or alcohol.

Exercise

Because of the very low calorie nature of the cabbage soup diet, exercise isn’t recommended. Going for a walk could be acceptable, but anything strenuous could be potentially dangerous.



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Shrimp Pasta Salad

Ingredients:
3 cups bow-tie pasta, uncooked
1 lb fresh asparagus spears, cut into 2-inch lengths
1 cup light oil base Italian salad dressing
1 tsp dried oregano leaves
1 tsp lemon zest
1 lb cooked, cleaned large shrimp
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
1 (8 oz) pkg. 2% Colby & Monterey Jack cheese crumbles



Direction :

1. Cook pasta in a large saucepan as directed on package, omitting salt and adding asparagus to the cooking water for the last 3 minutes; drain. Rinse with cold water; drain well.

2. Mix dressing, oregano, and zest together and set aside.

3. Place pasta mixture in a large bowl. Add dressing mixture, shrimp, tomatoes
and cheese; mix lightly.

NOTE: This salad can be made ahead of time.
Refrigerate up to 24 hours before serving.

Yield: 12 Servings
Serving Size: 3/4 cup per serving

WW Plus+ = 5 per serving

Nutrition Information:

Calories 210, Carbs 22 g, Fat 6 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 17 g
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Hungry Girl’s Slow-Cookin' Mexican Beef : 170 calories per serving!

Hungry Girl’s Slow-Cookin' Mexican Beef : 170 calories per serving!

Ingredients

1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup roasted red peppers packed in water, drained and chopped
1/4 cup canned diced green chiles
1 tbsp taco seasoning mix
1/2 tbsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, or more to taste
1/8 tsp. black pepper, or more to taste
1 1/2 lbs raw top sirloin beef, trimmed of excess fat
Salt

 Directions

For this recipe, make sure your crock-pot has at least a 4-quart capacity. 

In a crock-pot, mix all ingredients except beef. Add beef and stir to coat.

Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours, until beef is fully cooked and tender.

Transfer beef to a large bowl. Shred with two forks – one to hold the beef in place and the other to scrape across and shred it.

Return the shredded beef to the crock pot and mix well. Enjoy!
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Choosing healthy Fats ( Good FATS, Bad FATS )


Choosing Healthy Fats


GOOD FATS, BAD FATS


GOOD FATS
Monounsaturated fatPolyunsaturated fat
  • Olive oil
  • Canola oil
  • Sunflower oil
  • Peanut oil
  • Sesame oil
  • Avocados
  • Olives
  • Nuts (almonds, peanuts, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts, pecans, cashews)
  • Peanut butter
  • Soybean oil
  • Corn oil
  • Safflower oil
  • Walnuts
  • Sunflower, sesame, and pumpkin seeds
    Flaxseed
  • Fatty fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring, trout, sardines)
  • Soymilk
  • Tofu
Saturated fats and trans fats are known as the “bad fats” because they increase your risk of disease and elevate cholesterol.
Appearance-wise, saturated fats and trans fats tend to be solid at room temperature (think of butter or traditional stick margarine), while monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats tend to be liquid (think of olive or corn oil).
BAD FATS
Saturated fatTrans fat
  • High-fat cuts of meat (beef, lamb, pork)
  • Chicken with the skin
  • Whole-fat dairy products (milk and cream)
  • Butter
  • Cheese
  • Ice cream
  • Palm and coconut oil
  • Lard
  • Commercially-baked pastries, cookies, doughnuts, muffins, cakes, pizza dough
  • Packaged snack foods (crackers, microwave popcorn, chips)
  • Stick margarine
  • Vegetable shortening
  • Fried foods (French fries, fried chicken, chicken nuggets, breaded fish)
  • Candy bars
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A Low-Carb, High-Protein Menu

A Low-Carb, High-Protein Menu 


Breakfast 

Yogurt fruit crunch with:
  • Low fat yogurt (8 oz. or 1 cup)
  • Sliced fresh fruit: banana, strawberries, blueberries (1/2 cup)
  • Low fat cereal (3/4 cup)
  • Orange juice fortified with calcium (6 oz.)

Lunch 

Vegetable soup (1 cup)
Spinach salad with:
  • Fresh spinach (1 cup)
  • One hard-boiled egg
  • Sliced, grilled chicken breast (3 oz.)
  • Shredded carrots (1/2 cup)
  • Sliced mushrooms (1/2 cup)
  • Dried cranberries (2 tablespoons)
  • Crumbled feta cheese (1 tablespoons)
  • Chopped almonds (1 tablespoons)
  • Low calorie dressing (2 tablespoons)
    Whole grain crackers (4 to 6)
    Sparkling water with lemon

Dinner 

Roasted Pecan Salmon [see recipe below]
Steamed asparagus with lemon (1/2 cup)
Brown rice with chopped red pepper (1/2 cup)
Mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes and light vinaigrette (1 cup w/ 2 tablespoons dressing)
One whole-grain roll
Iced tea (unsweetened)
Snack
One cup skim milk and 1/2 cup berries blended with ice to make a shake.

ROASTED PECAN SALMON 

Ingredients:

4 salmon filets (4–6 oz. each)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons seasoned breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons chopped pecans
1 teaspoon parsley
Wedges of fresh lemon

Preparation:

1. Sprinkle salmon with salt and pepper. Place skin side down on baking sheet.
2. Combine mustard and honey, brush on top of salmon.
3. Mix topping of breadcrumbs, nuts, and parsley and sprinkle over salmon.
4. Bake at 400 degrees 10–15 minutes or until flaky. Serve with wedges of fresh lemon.

Nutritional Information per serving: 265 calories, 29 grams protein, 9 grams carbohydrate, 12 grams fat, 1.6 g saturated fat, 4.7 g monounsaturated fat, 4.3 g polyunsaturated fat, 78 mg cholesterol, 0.4 grams fiber, 282 grams sodium and 42% calories from fat.
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Pears helps you to loss weight

 Pears helps you to loss weight

 They're now recognized as having more fiber, thanks to a corrected calculation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. At six grams (formerly four grams) per medium-size pear, they're great at filling you up. Apples come in second, with about three grams per medium-size fruit. Both contain pectin fiber, which decreases blood-sugar levels, helping you avoid between-meal snacking. This may explain why, in a Brazilian study that lasted 12 weeks, overweight women who ate three small pears or apples a day lost more weight than women on the same diet who ate three oat cookies daily instead of the fruit.
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La Puma’s Honeyed Chinese Chicken Breasts : only 143 calories per serving.

Ingredients

3 tbsp oyster sauce
2 tsp peeled ginger, minced 
1 tsp chili garlic sauce 
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves 
1 tbsp dark honey
1 tbsp reduced sodium soy sauce 

Directions 

Prepare a charcoal or gas grill or preheat your oven’s broiler.

Combine the oyster sauce, ginger, and chili garlic sauce; mix well.

Transfer 1 tablespoon of the mixture to a small bowl, set aside.

Spread the remaining mixture over both sides of the chicken; let stand 5 to 10 minutes.

Grill or broil the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side or until the chicken is cooked through.

Add honey and soy sauce to the reserved oyster sauce mixture. Serve as a dipping sauce for the chicken.

Dr , OZ

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Carbs at Night

The Low Down on Carbs at Night

The no carbs at night rule is really just based on logical reasoning. The assumption is that your metabolism slows down at night and limits the conversion of carbs into energy. Instead, the suggestion is that carbs are more easily stored as fat. The other assumption underlying this reasoning is that insulin sensitivity is reduced while you sleep, making fat conversion even more likely.
While these assumptions make sense, they’re not entirely accurate. Luckily, there’s some science out there on these very issues.

What is the Science Saying about Carbs at Night?


First, about your metabolism slowing down at night, researchers have shown that this isn’t entirely accurate. Although your sleeping metabolic rate does slow down during the first half of sleep, it actually increases late in the night as you experience longer and more frequent periods of REM (rapid eye movement) sleep.
The overall result, the scientists concluded, is that your sleeping metabolism over the course of a an entire night isn’t any different than your resting metabolism during the day (when you’re not exercising or moving).
Other researchers have shown that people with more lean muscle mass actually have a higher sleeping metabolic rate compared to their resting metabolism during the day. So if you’re in good shape already, there’s really no concern at all.
As for the issue of insulin sensitivity reducing at night, studies have shown that this not the case. In fact, it has been demonstrated that people who eat carbs at night have higher levels of the hormone adiponectin, which is responsible for increased insulin sensitivity and an enhanced metabolism. So much for that myth.
But there’s a catch…
Although the science seems to be suggesting that carbs at night really aren’t so bad, you do have to watch what kinds of carbs you’re eating. Unfortunately, many people get the munchies late at night, and this is definitely not a good thing for dieting. You have to make sure you avoid the salty and sweet stuff, and go for something healthy.
Better yet, go for something that gives your metabolism a little boost before you hit the sheets. Here are a few recommendations for healthy, metabolism-boosting snacks before bed:
  • A protein shake using fat-free milk, fresh or frozen fruit, and a scoop of the timed release protein Combat Powder.
  • Nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pistachios are full of healthy fats and protein.
  • Protein-rich, low-fat hummus and fresh veggies like cucumbers, carrots, and celery.
  • Apple slices and a tablespoon of all-natural peanut butter or almond butter.
  • A cup or two of low-fat, all-natural popcorn.
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Start Your Day with a Protein Shake

As I mentioned, protein is great for keep you full and satisfied. This is why a protein shake every morning is a great way to start your day. In addition to filling you up, protein also burns more calories during digestion and helps improve your lean muscle gains.
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Get More Omega-3s to loss weight

You’ve probably heard this one before, but it really should be taken seriously. Omega-3 fatty acids not only boost your metabolism, but they also redistribute fat away from your midsection. I recommend eating more foods like salmon, eggs, and avocados, or taking an omega-3 supplement like All
Max Nutrition Omega 3.
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Express Diet - Lose 3 kilos (6–7 pounds) very fast

Lose 3 kilograms in 5 days.


Principle: - The Express diet is ideal if you want to lose quickly the extra kilos gained because of the fat and sweets excess. If you have to lose 3–4 kilograms, the Express formula is the ideal one. It was conceived to help you lose weight quickly but without starving. This diet’s principles are simple: three meals a day, no fats or sweets, no alcohol, fat dairy products or snacks. In order to get the results you want, you should respect rigorously the game’s rule: only three meals a day with a fix time for breakfast and dinner.

Breakfast

- Herb tea or unsweetened coffee.
- 1 yogurt (125 g) or 150g cow cheese, both containing 20% fat. (written on the pack: “Nonfat product”.)
- 1 fruit: an orange or a kiwi, half or a cup of sugar free stewed fruits
- Half cup of sugar free corn or maize flakes

Lunch

- Entree made up of vegetables salad with lemon and yogurt 
- Second course: a slice of lean meat or fish steamed or grilled. As seasoning: fresh vegetables steamed (salt in small quantities).

Dinner

- Consists of a cup of strained vegetable soup or simple meat consomme, after which you can eat an apple. If you keep the Express diet, it is better to know exactly what aliments can be eaten at any time and which aliments should be banished for good from the daily menu.

The Zero Diet

     I discovered the weight loss formula that I am going to describe to you, by despair. I have gained 14 kilos in a single year and although I tried all known hypo-caloric diets, I didn’t manage to lose at least 5 grams. At that moment, I imposed myself 2 days of total fast and- guess what? - it worked!

     So, I didn’t eat anything for 2 days per week (not consecutive, for example monday and friday) but I took care to drink daily minimum two liters of water or herbal tea (unsweetened, of course). In the other 5 days I ate normally, without restrictions or excesses. I only gave up sweets, replaced sugar with honey and I reduced (not eliminated) the quantity of pastries and fats and I had dinner earlier, around six o'clock. The mechanism is the following: you lose in the first day of fast one kilogram, in the second only half kilogram and in the next five days of normal alimentation you gain one kilogram. Thus, it result a half kilogram difference. This is the weekly rhythm of the weight loss program which should repeat every time.

     The call the diet zero because it is based on total fast, has some important advantages: the two starving days helps us eliminate toxins and the slow weight loss, beside the fact it has, as we well know, long-lasting effects, it also helps us avoid the ugly esthetic consequences as it gives skin enough time to adapt to the new dimensions. I lost nine kilograms in four months and I am decided to get rid of another five kilograms. If at the beginning of the summer I was fastening the belt at the first hole, now I am proud that I can fasten it at the seventh. I wish the readers with the same problems to be as successful as I was!
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7 -Day Detox Plan

 7 -Day Detox Plan

Day 1: 600 calories

This is a fasting day. Drink loads of water and herbal teas throughout the day. Breakfast, lunch, and evening meal are the same: 1 glass of unsweetened fruit or salt-free vegetable juice plus a carton of natural live yoghurt. 
Try to start this diet on a non-working, quiet day and don’t worry, it does get easier!

Day 2: 1200 calories

Breakfast: 
This is the standard breakfast you'll eat for the rest of the week. 1 portion fresh fruit (vary throughout the week between apple, pear, mango, grapes, pineapple, grapefruit), 2 slices of wholemeal toast spread with low fat cottage cheese, a carton of low-fat live yoghurt, a small glass of skimmed milk and a cup of herb or weak Indian tea without milk or sugar.

Lunch: 
1 kiwi fruit, a mixed raw vegetable salad (a bed of iceberg lettuce, filled with grated carrot, celeriac, and beetroot, with a squeeze of lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil) plus 150g (6oz) of any steamed vegetables, sprinkled with a chopped clove of garlic and a drizzle of olive oil. Herb or weak Indian tea.

Dinner: 
50g (2 oz) blueberries and 100g (4oz) unsweetened muesli mixed with a tablespoon of orange juice and a carton of low fat live yoghurt. Herb or weak Indian tea.


Day 3: 1100 calories

Breakfast: 
As on day 2.

Lunch: 
1 large mango, 150g (6 oz) mixed salad including watercress, fresh mint, spring onions, tomato, red and yellow peppers, chicory, baby spinach and beansprouts drizzled with a lemon juice and olive oil dressing. 
1 large jacket potato with 50g (2oz) low-fat fromage frais whipped with chopped chives and a clove of garlic. Vegetable juice.

Dinner: 
1 carton of low-fat live yoghurt mixed with blackberries, blueberries and 1tsp of honey. 1 crusty wholemeal roll with a matchbox size piece of soft cheese (brie, camembert, or similar). Herb or weak Indian tea.

Day 4: 800 calories

This is a very special day where your main food will be rice. Start by preparing the rice for the whole day. You'll need 225g (9oz) dry brown rice cooked according to the packet’s instructions. If you prefer, you can cook half the rice in water and the other half in vegetable stock for a more savoury flavour. Drink only water today.

Breakfast: 
75g (3oz) cooked rice with 125g (5oz) stewed apple flavoured with honey, cinnamon and grated lemon rind.

Lunch: 
75g (3oz) cooked rice with 175g (7oz) steamed vegetables - celery, leek, carrot, tomato, spinach, broccoli and shredded cabbage.

Dinner: 
75g (3oz) cooked rice mixed with soaked dried apricots, raisins, sultanas, and the flesh of a pink grapefruit.

Day 5: 1100 calories

Breakfast: 
As on day 2.

Lunch: 
1 apple, 1 pear, 150g (6oz) raw vegetable salad (cauliflower and broccoli florets, carrot, spring onion, grated red cabbage, mange tout) tossed in olive oil and cider vinegar dressing, sprinkled with a teaspoon of raisins and 3 chopped brazil nuts. Large jacket potato filled with 75g (3oz) steamed spinach chopped with 2 teaspoons of olive oil, clove of garlic and a generous grating of nutmeg. Herb or weak Indian tea.

Dinner: 
75g (3oz) fromage frais mixed with 1 carton of low-fat live yoghurt, poured over a generous bowl of mixed fruit salad, including kiwi, pineapple, orange, grapes, blueberries, apple. Cup of herb tea.

Day 6: 1300 calories

Breakfast: 
As on day 2. 

Lunch: 
1 banana, 150g (6oz) mixed salad (shredded iceberg lettuce tomato, olives, red pepper, carrot, spring onions, cucumber, a clove of garlic, fennel, and watercress) with a dressing of lemon juice, walnut oil and tarragon. 1 large jacket potato with 75g (3oz) steamed French or runner beans with a dessertspoon of sunflower oil sprinkled with finely chopped onions. Herb or weak Indian tea.

Dinner: 
75g (3oz) muesli mixed with lemon juice, 1tsp honey, grated apple and 1 carton of low-fat live yoghurt. 1 slice wholemeal bread with a matchbox sized piece of brie, camembert or similar soft cheese. 1 slice wholemeal bread with honey. Cup of tea.

Day 7: 1200 calories

Breakfast: 
As on day 2

Lunch: 
150g (6oz) mixed salad (watercress, baby spinach, mixed lettuce leaves, parsley, celery, garlic, chives, basil, tomato - with a dressing of 1/3 walnut oil, 1/3 olive oil, 1/3 cider vinegar and a teaspoon of Dijon mustard, sprinkled with sunflower seeds). 75g (3oz) boiled potatoes and trout stuffed with finely chopped parsley, onion, tomato, and pine nuts, covered in thinly sliced lemon, baked in foil with a little olive oil. 
(If you're vegetarian or don’t like fish, stir-fry tofu with shredded carrot, bean sprouts, mange tout and soy sauce or have a grilled veggie burger.) 
A glass of dry white wine.

Dinner: 
1 pink grapefruit, 2 poached free-range eggs on 2 slices of wholemeal toast with a scrape of butter. Herb or weak Indian tea.

Top tip:


Whatever the weather, it’s important to exercise during this week. A brisk 20-minute walk three times a week will make all the difference to this plan.
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10 Questions to Ask Before Weight Loss Surgery


Do I qualify for a surgical or non-surgical weight loss procedure   


The best candidates for surgical weight loss surgery are individuals who are severely obese with a body mass index over 40, 35 with obesity related conditions, and in some cases, a BMI of 30 with severe co-morbidities.

 What type of medical tests do I need before surgery

Many bariatric surgeons require patients to undergo a thorough physical evaluation and undergo psychological testing to ensure that they are in good health for the procedure. Find out what types of tests and exams you will need to undergo prior to surgery

 What risks are involved with the weight loss surgery

Different bariatric procedures are accompanied by many risks, so you will need a detailed rundown of all risks and complications before you can pursue treatment. Ask about the specific risks beyond the risk of infection so that you can make the most informed decision.

 How quickly can I expect to start losing weight after surgery

Some bariatric procedures make it easy to lose weight within a few weeks after the procedure, but it can take up to a month with others. Find out what type of timeframe you are working with so you have realistic expectations about the outcome.

Is bariatric surgery reversible 

Only some bariatric procedures such as laparoscopic gastric band surgery are reversible or adjustable. Make sure you are comfortable with the idea of having a permanent procedure, and ask your weight loss surgeon about different options available.

 How long is the recovery process after bariatric surgery

Weight reduction procedures such as gastric banding surgery generally have a shorter recovery process than gastric bypass surgery, and the length of recovery can vary depending on your state of health and how successful the operation was. Ask your weight loss surgeon what the recovery process looks like so you can plan accordingly.

 Will obesity surgery affect my ability to become pregnant

Extreme weight loss can have an impact on your hormones and make it difficult to get pregnant. If you plan to have children within the next few years, find out whether you may be at risk for infertility.

 What are the options for minimally-invasive surgery

There are several methods and techniques used in bariatric surgery, and some doctors prefer to use minimally invasive procedures such as laparoscopic surgery to reduce surgery time. With laparoscopic surgery, the surgeon gains access through a small incision in the stomach and inserts a tiny camera into the incision to perform the procedure. This speeds up recovery time and may pose fewer risks than more invasive procedures.

What dietary changes will I need to make after surgery

Restrictive bariatric surgery, malabsorptive bariatric surgery and combination surgery all require making dietary changes before and after the procedure. Your diet may be limited to liquids and pureed foods for several weeks after the procedure. Find out what the recommended diet plan is so that you know what to expect.

 Will insurance cover bariatric procedures

Some bariatric surgeons will accept payment from an insurance company, while others will require the patient to pay out of pocket. Find out what your options are for financing so that you can stay within your budget.

source : P. Richardson Lyle

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Sample Meal Plan for the South Beach Diet


PHASE 1PHASE 2PHASE 3
Breakfast
Tomato juice, 6 oz.
Scrambled eggs with fresh herbs and mushrooms
Canadian bacon, 2 slices
Decaf coffee or decaf tea with fat-free milk and sugar substitute

Snack
Part-skim mozzarella cheese stick

Lunch
Chicken Caesar salad (no croutons)
Prepared Caesar dressing, 2 Tbsp

Snack
Low-fat cottage cheese (½ cup) with ½ cup chopped tomatoes and cucumbers

Dinner 
Mahi mahi
Oven-Roasted Vegetables
Arugula salad
Low-sugar prepared dressing

Dessert 
Lemon Peel Ricotta Crème
Breakfast
Berry smoothie (8 oz. Dannon Light 'n Fit fruit-flavored yogurt, ½ cup berries, ½ cup crushed ice, blended)
Decaf coffee or decaf tea with fat-free milk and sugar substitute

Snack

1 hard-boiled egg

Lunch
Lemon Couscous Chicken
Tomato and cucumber slices

Snack

Dannon Light 'n Fit yogurt, 4 oz.

Dinner
Meat Loaf
Steamed asparagus
Mushrooms sautéed in olive oil
Sliced Bermuda onion and tomato with drizzled olive oil

Dessert
Sliced cantaloupe with 2 Tbsp ricotta cheese 
Breakfast
½ grapefruit
Tex-Mex eggs (2 eggs scrambled with shredded Monterey Jack cheese and salsa)
Whole grain toast, 1 slice
Decaf coffee or decaf tea with fat-free milk and sugar substitute

Lunch
Roast Beef Wrap
Nectarine

Dinner
Grilled salmon with tomato salsa
Tossed salad (mixed greens, cucumbers, green bell peppers, cherry tomatoes)
Olive oil and vinegar to taste or 2 Tbsp low-sugar prepared dressing

Dessert
Chocolate-Dipped Apricots
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